Strict standards for product labeling

The medical technology and pharmaceutical industries have particularly stringent standards for product labeling. Patient safety and traceability are paramount. Instruments and devices must be clearly marked and still be identifiable after years – for example, to be able to read batch numbers, serial numbers, shelf life data or manufacturing information at any time. UDI codes (e.g. as a data matrix) are prescribed internationally for this purpose.

At the same time, many medical devices are difficult to label: Stainless steel surgical instruments must not lose their corrosion resistance due to the marking, flexible plastic catheters or blister packaging must not be deformed or damaged by heat under any circumstances. Traditional methods have their limits: Labels or inkjets may peel or fade in the sterile environment and cause contamination. Mechanical engraving, in turn, affects the surface and promotes corrosion. Conventional lasers (e.g. fiber or CO2 lasers) also often introduce too much heat, which can lead to smoking marks, cracks or melting points on thin films, encapsulations or electronic components.

Area of deployment
Difficulties:

• Surgical Instruments & Implants: Permanent direct marking of instruments and implants with UDI-compliant DataMatrix codes and plain text – biocompatible, easily legible and sterilization-resistant.
• Pharmaceutical primary & secondary packaging: Contactless labeling of blisters, syringes or vials with batch and expiry dates – without material damage, perforation or melting.
• Plastic parts & electronics in medical devices: Gentle UV laser marking of housings, cables, PCBs and sensors – high-contrast, permanent and without surface damage or additives.

Consequences

It requires a marking technology that achieves the highest resolution and durability, but without material stress and additives. This is precisely where the UV laser comes in as the ideal solution.